Take Advantage of Summer to Get Your LinkedIn Profile in Order!

In summer, employers typically post fewer jobs and lose momentum getting candidates through their hiring cycle. (It’s hard for them to pull together a full slate of interviewers when they are vacationing sequentially.)

Take advantage of the summer slowdown. First, think through what jobs interest you. Then identify your top skills and experience that would interest your ideal employers. Present the key points about yourself consistently across four areas: your LinkedIn profile, resume, cover letter, and interviews. 

I would start with updating your LinkedIn profile. It’s the most public forum of the four and will generate the biggest impact. Recruiters use it to identify great candidates, and the business world uses it for research.

I like this Forbes article that lays out exactly what you need to do on LinkedIn, and even quantifies the effect!

1. Add a photo and get 21 times more clicks to your profile. (My two cents: get a professional headshot. The Bay Area prefers a polished business casual look because lawyers need to be approachable to clients, and suits could scare them away.)
2. Select an industry – 30 times more clicks. 
3. Select at least 5 skills – 17 times more clicks. (Highlight the skills and experience the dream employer would want!)
4. 4. Include volunteer work – 6 times more clicks. (Employers like well-rounded employees!)
5. Add a summary to your profile. (My two cents: a summary for lawyers should consist of one paragraph setting forth your main skill set, e.g., litigation or corporate or tech trans; in what industry, e.g., life sciences or software; and your accomplishments. Use metrics; otherwise, it’s hard for me to evaluate your claims.) 
6. Include your general location. (I often sort by SF Bay Area, for example, and rule out those who do not list this location.)

Next week I will discuss how to polish your resume!